System and method for extracting potable water from atmosphere

ABSTRACT

A system for producing potable water from atmosphere includes an enclosure with at least one intake port and exhaust port. The system includes a plurality of panels arranged within the enclosure substantially parallel to each other along a central axis. Each of the panels is made of a material on which water condensate from the atmosphere forms in response to a temperature differential between the material and the atmosphere passed through the enclosure. The system includes a plurality of conduits arranged to pass through the panels. A cooling fluid is passed through the conduits to cool the panels. The amount of water condensate formed on surfaces of the panels in response to cooling is detected. The panels are rotated about the central axis within the enclosure to remove the water condensate from the surfaces of the panels when the detected amount of water condensate exceeds a predetermined threshold.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Divisional from U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/453,102 filed Apr. 29, 2009 entitled System and Method for ExtractingPotable Water from Atmosphere, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/017,856 filed Dec. 22, 2004 and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/949,249 filed Sep. 27, 2004, the entire contentsof which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the production of potable water. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a system and method forextracting potable water from the atmosphere.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, natural freshwater resources are scarce or limited in manyareas of the world, including areas such as, for example, deserts andand lands, due to low precipitation and high salinity of surface andunderground water. Shortage in supply of potable water and fresh wateris increasing at a vast rate, as deserts expand and overtake fertileland, and as many of the natural ground water resources are beingdepleted. Furthermore, shifts in patterns of the global climate overtime have resulted in a drop in the rate of rainfall in many areas. Forexample, hunger and starvation is spreading in areas such as, forexample, Africa, because of shortage of fresh water to raise domesticanimals and crops for food.

Sparse population and scattered population pockets in many areas makethe application of water desalination and other water treatmenttechnologies uneconomical due to the low demand and the high cost ofwater distribution from a central system over a wide stretch of land.For example, such methods of supplying potable water may be inaccessibleto remote and/or impoverished areas of the world due to lack of naturalresources, wealth, infrastructure and technical expertise.Alternatively, transportation of loads of fresh water is costly andexposes water to contamination en route and during handling and storage.For example, remote areas of the world may lack the necessarytransportation infrastructure to allow transportation of potable waterto these remote areas.

Accordingly, there is a need for localized production of fresh water toprovide water for human drinking, and fresh water for raising animalsand for irrigation as well as other human uses, that is reliable,affordable and produces little or no industrial pollution. Additionally,there is a need that the system may be transported and assembled in anumber of remote areas inhabited by humans where little or no naturalresources are available for providing potable water. The apparatusshould be accessible to individuals with limited technical expertise andbe available in a range of sizes so that it may be used in areas thatlack abundant space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system and method are disclosed for extracting potable water from theatmosphere. In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, according to a first aspect of the present invention, asystem for producing potable water from the atmosphere includes a firstsurface and a second surface arranged substantially parallel to thefirst surface. The first and second surfaces are comprised of a materialon which water condensation from the atmosphere forms in response to atemperature differential between the material and the atmosphere. A sealis formed around a periphery of the first and second surfaces to form anenclosure between the first and second surfaces. The enclosure is filledwith a liquid. The system includes a cooling device positioned withinthe liquid within the enclosure. The system includes a sensor circuitlocated proximate to the first and second surfaces. The sensor circuitis configured to detect an amount of water condensate formed on thefirst and second surfaces in response to cooling of the first and secondsurfaces by the liquid cooled by the cooling device. The system includesa wiper in contact with each of the first and second surfaces. The wiperis configured to remove water condensate from the respective first andsecond surfaces when the sensor circuit detects the amount of watercondensate formed on the respective first and second surfaces exceeds apredetermined value. The system includes a collector for collecting thewater condensate removed from the first and second surfaces for use aspotable water.

According to the first aspect, the first and second surfaces cancomprise glass. Alternatively, the first and second surfaces cancomprise metal, plastic or the like. The liquid can comprise water.Alternatively, the first and second surfaces can comprise alcohol or thelike. Each of the first and second surfaces can be substantiallyrectangular. Alternatively, each of the first and second surfaces can besubstantially circular, substantially planar or the like. The system caninclude a sterilizer for sterilizing the collected water condensate toproduce the potable water. The system can include an atmosphere flowregulator for passing atmosphere over the first and second surfaces. Thesystem can include a control circuit for controlling the atmosphere flowregulator to control a passage of atmosphere over the first and secondsurfaces. A volume of atmosphere passed over the first and secondsurfaces can be dependent upon a humidity of the atmosphere detected bythe sensor circuit. The system can include a cooling fluid supplier forsupplying a cooling fluid through the cooling device to cool the liquidwithin the enclosure. For example, the cooling fluid supplier cancomprise a condenser. The cooling device can comprise a refrigerationcoil. Alternatively, the cooling device can comprise a plurality ofpipes, and a cooling fluid can be passed through each of the pluralityof pipes to cool the liquid within the enclosure. The wiper can comprisea squeegee.

According to a second aspect of the present application, a system forproducing potable water from atmosphere includes a plurality of surfacesarranged to form a sealed enclosure. The enclosure is substantiallyfilled with a liquid. Each of the plurality of surfaces is comprised ofa material on which water condensation from the atmosphere forms whenthere is a temperature differential between the material and theatmosphere. The system includes a cooling coil positioned within theliquid within the enclosure. The cooling coil is configured to cool theliquid within the enclosure to cool the plurality of surfaces. Thesystem includes at least one humidity sensor located proximate to theplurality of surfaces. The at least one humidity sensor is configured todetect an amount of water condensate formed on the plurality ofsurfaces. The system includes a plurality of wipers. Each of theplurality of wipers is associated with a surface of the plurality ofsurfaces. Each of the plurality of wipers is configured to remove watercondensate from each of the plurality of surfaces when the at least onehumidity sensor detects the amount of water condensate formed on theplurality of surfaces exceeds a predetermined value. The system includesa collector for collecting the water condensate removed from theplurality of surfaces for use as potable water.

According to the second aspect, each of the plurality of surfaces cancomprise glass. Alternatively, each of the plurality of surfaces cancomprise metal, plastic or the like. The liquid can comprise water.Alternatively, the liquid can comprise alcohol or the like. Each of theplurality of surfaces can be substantially rectangular. Alternatively,each of the plurality of surfaces can be substantially circular,substantially planar, or the like. The system can include a sterilizerfor sterilizing the collected water condensate to produce the potablewater. The system can include an atmosphere flow regulator for passingatmosphere over the plurality of surfaces. The system can include acontrol circuit for controlling the atmosphere flow regulator to controla passage of atmosphere over the plurality of surfaces. A volume ofatmosphere passed over the plurality of surfaces can be dependent upon ahumidity of the atmosphere detected by the at least one humidity sensor.The system can include a cooling fluid supplier for supplying a coolingfluid through the cooling device to cool the liquid within theenclosure. For example, the cooling fluid supplier can comprise acondenser. The cooling device can comprise a refrigeration coil.Alternatively, the cooling device can comprise a plurality of pipes, anda cooling fluid can be passed through each of the plurality of pipes tocool the liquid within the enclosure. Each of the plurality of wiperscan comprise a squeegee.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a system forproducing potable water from atmosphere includes a conduit. The conduitis comprised of a material on which water condensation from theatmosphere forms in response to a temperature differential between thematerial and the atmosphere. A cooling fluid is passed through theconduit to cool the conduit. The system includes a sensor circuitlocated proximate to a surface of the conduit. The sensor, circuit isconfigured to detect an amount of water condensate formed on the surfaceof the conduit in response to cooling of the conduit by the coolingfluid. The system includes a wiper in circumferential contact with thesurface of the conduit. The wiper is configured to remove watercondensate from the surface of the conduit when the sensor circuitdetects the amount of water condensate formed on the surface of theconduit exceeds a predetermined value. The system includes a collectorfor collecting the water condensate removed from the conduit for use aspotable water.

According to the third aspect, the conduit can comprise glass.Alternatively, the conduit can comprise metal, plastic or the like. Thecooling fluid can comprise a refrigerant. The conduit can comprise acoil. The system can include a sterilizer for sterilizing the collectedwater condensate to produce the potable water. The system can include anatmosphere flow regulator for passing atmosphere over the surface of theconduit. The system can include a control circuit for controlling theatmosphere flow regulator to control a passage of atmosphere over thesurface of the conduit. A volume of atmosphere passed over the surfaceof the conduit is dependent upon a humidity of the atmosphere detectedby the sensor circuit. The system can include a cooling fluid supplierfor supplying the cooling fluid through the conduit. The cooling fluidsupplier can comprise a condenser. The wiper can comprise a squeegee.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a system forproducing potable water from atmosphere includes a first surface, and asecond surface arranged substantially parallel to the first surface. Thefirst and second surfaces are comprised of a material on which watercondensation from the atmosphere forms in response to a temperaturedifferential between the material and the atmosphere. A seal is formedaround a periphery of the first and second surfaces to form an enclosurebetween the first and second surfaces. The enclosure is filled with aliquid. The system includes means for cooling positioned within theliquid within the enclosure. The system includes sensing means fordetecting an amount of water condensate formed on the first and secondsurfaces in response to cooling of the first and second surfaces by theliquid cooled by the means for cooling. The sensing means is locatedproximate to the first and second surfaces. The system includes meansfor removing water condensate from the respective first and secondsurfaces when the sensing means detects the amount of water condensateformed on the respective first and second surfaces exceeds apredetermined value. The means for removing is in contact with each ofthe first and second surfaces. The system includes means for collectingthe water condensate removed from the first and second surfaces for useas potable water.

According to the fourth aspect, the first and second surfaces cancomprise glass. Alternatively, the first and second surfaces cancomprise metal, plastic or the like. The liquid can comprise water.Alternatively, the liquid can comprise alcohol or the like. Each of thefirst and second surfaces can be substantially rectangular.Alternatively, each of the first and second surfaces can besubstantially circular, substantially planar, or the like. The systemcan include means for sterilizing the collected water condensate toproduce the potable water. The system can include means for regulating apassage of atmosphere over the first and second surfaces. The system caninclude means for controlling the means for regulating to control thepassage of atmosphere over the first and second surfaces. A volume ofatmosphere passed over the first and second surfaces can be dependentupon a humidity of the atmosphere detected by the sensing means. Thesystem can include means for supplying a cooling fluid through the meansfor cooling to cool the liquid within the enclosure. The means forsupplying can comprise a condenser means. The means for cooling cancomprise a refrigeration coil means. Alternatively, the means forcooling can comprise a plurality of conduit means. A cooling fluid canbe passed through each of the plurality of conduit means to cool theliquid within the enclosure. The means for removing can comprise a wipermeans.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a system forproducing potable water from atmosphere includes a plurality of surfacesarranged to form a sealed enclosure. The enclosure is substantiallyfilled with a liquid. Each of the plurality of surfaces is comprised ofa material on which water condensation from the atmosphere forms whenthere is a temperature differential between the material and theatmosphere. The system includes means for cooling positioned within theliquid within the enclosure. The means for cooling is configured to coolthe liquid within the enclosure to cool the plurality of surfaces. Thesystem includes at least one means for sensing humidity locatedproximate to each of the plurality of surfaces. The at least one meansfor sensing humidity is configured to detect an amount of watercondensate formed on a respective one of the plurality of surfaces. Thesystem includes a plurality of means for removing water condensate fromeach of the plurality of surfaces when the at least one means forsensing humidity detects the amount of water condensate formed on theplurality of surfaces exceeds a predetermined value. Each of theplurality of means for removing is associated with a surface of theplurality of surfaces. The system includes means for collecting thewater condensate removed from the plurality of surfaces for use aspotable water.

According to the fifth aspect, each of the plurality of surfaces cancomprise glass. Alternatively, each of the plurality of surfaces cancomprise metal, plastic or the like. The liquid can comprises water.Alternatively, the liquid can comprise alcohol or the like. Each of theplurality of surfaces can be substantially rectangular. Alternatively,each of the plurality of surfaces can be substantially circular,substantially planar or the like. The system can include means forsterilizing the collected water condensate to produce the potable water.The system can include means for regulating a passage of atmosphere overthe plurality of surfaces. The system can include means for controllingthe means for regulating to control the passage of atmosphere over theplurality of surfaces. A volume of atmosphere passed over the pluralityof surfaces is dependent upon a humidity of the atmosphere detected bythe at least one means for sensing humidity. The system can includemeans for supplying a cooling fluid through the means for cooling tocool the liquid within the enclosure. The means for supplying cancomprise a condenser means. The means for cooling can comprise arefrigeration coil means. Alternatively, the means for cooling cancomprise a plurality of conduit means. A cooling fluid can be passedthrough each of the plurality of conduit means to cool the liquid withinthe enclosure. Each of the plurality of means for removing can comprisea wiper means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a system forproducing potable water from atmosphere includes a conduit means forconveying a cooling fluid for cooling the conduit means. The conduitmeans is comprised of a material on which water condensation from theatmosphere forms in response to a temperature differential between thematerial and the atmosphere. The system includes a sensor means fordetecting an amount of water condensate formed on the surface of theconduit means in response to cooling of the conduit means by the coolingfluid. The sensor means is located proximate to a surface of the conduitmeans. The system includes means for removing water condensate from thesurface of the conduit means when the sensor means detects the amount ofwater condensate formed on the surface of the conduit means exceeds apredetermined value. The means for removing is in circumferentialcontact with the surface of the conduit means. The system includes meansfor collecting the water condensate removed from the conduit means foruse as potable water.

According to the sixth aspect, the conduit means can comprise glass.Alternatively, the conduit means can comprise metal, plastic or thelike. The cooling fluid can comprise a refrigerant. The conduit meanscan comprise a coil. The system can include means for sterilizing thecollected water condensate to produce the potable water. The system caninclude means for regulating a passage of atmosphere over the surface ofthe conduit means. The system can include means for controlling themeans for regulating to control the passage of atmosphere over thesurface of the conduit means. A volume of atmosphere passed over thesurface of the conduit means is dependent upon a humidity of theatmosphere detected by the sensor means. The system can include meansfor supplying the cooling fluid conveyed through the conduit means. Themeans for supplying can comprise a condenser means. The means forremoving can comprise a wiper means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a system forproducing potable water from atmosphere includes a first surface onwhich water condensate from the atmosphere forms, and a second surfaceon which the water condensate from the atmosphere forms. The secondsurface is arranged substantially parallel to the first surface. A sealis formed around a periphery of the first and second surfaces to form anenclosure between the first and second surfaces. The enclosure is filledwith a liquid. The system includes a cooling device positioned withinthe liquid within the enclosure. The water condensate forms on the firstand second surfaces in response to cooling of the first and secondsurfaces by the liquid cooled by the cooling device. The system includesa wiper in contact with each of the first and second surfaces. The wiperis configured to remove water condensate from the respective first andsecond surfaces at predetermined intervals. The system includes acollector for collecting the water condensate removed from the first andsecond surfaces. The system includes a sterilizer for sterilizing thecollected water condensate to produce potable water.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a system forproducing potable water from atmosphere includes a conduit on whichwater condensate from the atmosphere forms. A cooling fluid is passedthrough the pipe to cool the pipe. The water condensate forms on asurface of the pipe in response to cooling of the pipe by the coolingfluid. The system includes a wiper in circumferential contact with thesurface of the pipe. The wiper is configured to remove water condensatefrom the surface of the pipe at predetermined intervals. The systemincludes a collector for collecting the water condensate removed fromthe surface of the conduit. The system includes a sterilizer forsterilizing the collected water condensate to produce potable water.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a method ofproducing potable water from atmosphere includes the steps of: a.)enclosing a cooling device within a liquid within an enclosure, whereinsurfaces of the enclosure are comprised of a material on which watercondensation from the atmosphere forms in response to a temperaturedifferential between the material and the atmosphere; b.) cooling theliquid in the enclosure to cool the surfaces of the enclosure; c.)detecting an amount of water condensate formed on the surfaces inresponse to cooling of the surfaces by the liquid cooled by the coolingdevice; d.) removing water condensate from the surfaces of the enclosurewhen the amount of water condensate formed on the surfaces exceeds apredetermined value; and e.) collecting the water condensate removedfrom the surfaces of the enclosure for use as potable water.

According to the ninth aspect, the surfaces of the enclosure cancomprise glass. Alternatively, the surfaces of the enclosure cancomprise metal, plastic or the like. The liquid can comprise water.Alternatively, the liquid can comprise alcohol or like. The surfaces ofthe enclosure can be substantially rectangular. Alternatively, thesurfaces of the enclosure can be substantially circular, substantiallyplanar or the like. The method can include the steps of: f.) sterilizingthe collected water condensate to produce the potable water; g.)regulating a passage of atmosphere over the surfaces of the enclosure,wherein a volume of atmosphere passed over the surfaces of the enclosureis dependent upon a humidity of the atmosphere; and h.) conveying acooling fluid through the cooling device to cool the liquid within theenclosure.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a method forproducing potable water from atmosphere, comprising: a.) conveying acooling fluid through a conduit to cool the conduit, wherein the conduitis comprised of a material on which water condensation from theatmosphere forms in response to a temperature differential between thematerial and the atmosphere; b.) detecting an amount of water condensateformed on a surface of the conduit in response to cooling of the conduitby the cooling fluid; c.) removing water condensate from the surface ofthe conduit when the amount of water condensate formed on the surface ofthe conduit exceeds a predetermined value; and d.) collecting the watercondensate removed from the conduit for use as potable water.

According to the tenth aspect, the conduit can comprise glass.Alternatively, the conduit can comprise metal, plastic or the like. Thecooling fluid can comprise a refrigerant. The conduit can comprise acoil. The method can include the steps of: e.) sterilizing the collectedwater condensate to produce the potable water; and f.) regulating apassage of atmosphere over the surface of the conduit, wherein a volumeof atmosphere passed over the surface of the conduit is dependent upon ahumidity of the atmosphere.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a system forproducing potable water from atmosphere includes a plurality of surfacesarranged to form a sealed enclosure. Each of the plurality of surfacesis comprised of a material on which water condensation from theatmosphere forms when there is a temperature differential between thematerial and the atmosphere. The system includes a cooling fluidsupplier in fluid communication with the sealed enclosure for supplyinga cooling fluid within the sealed enclosure. The system includes atleast one humidity sensor located proximate to the plurality ofsurfaces. The at least one humidity sensor is configured to detect anamount of water condensate formed on the plurality of surfaces. Thesystem includes a plurality of wipers. Each of the plurality of wipersis associated with a surface of the plurality of surfaces. Each of theplurality of wipers is configured to remove water condensate from eachof the plurality of surfaces when the at least one humidity sensordetects the amount of water condensate formed on the plurality ofsurfaces exceeds a predetermined value. The system includes a collectorfor collecting the water condensate removed from the plurality ofsurfaces for use as potable water.

According to the eleventh aspect, each of the plurality of surfaces cancomprise glass, metal, plastic or other suitable material. The coolingfluid can comprise water, alcohol or other suitable cooling fluid. Eachof the plurality of surfaces can substantially rectangular,substantially circular, substantially planar or other suitableconfiguration. The system can include a sterilizer for sterilizing thecollected water condensate to produce the potable water. The system caninclude an atmosphere flow regulator for passing atmosphere over theplurality of surfaces. The system can include a control circuit forcontrolling the atmosphere flow regulator to control a passage ofatmosphere over the plurality of surfaces. A volume of atmosphere passedover the plurality of surfaces can be dependent upon a humidity of theatmosphere detected by the at least one humidity sensor. The coolingfluid supplier can comprise a condenser or other suitable device. Eachof the plurality of wipers can comprise a squeegee.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, a system forproducing potable water from atmosphere includes an enclosure. Theenclosure includes at least one sealable intake port, and at least onesealable exhaust port. The system includes a plurality of panelsarranged within the enclosure substantially parallel to each other alonga central axis. Each of the plurality of panels is composed of amaterial on which water condensate from the atmosphere forms in responseto a temperature differential between the material and the atmospherepassed through the enclosure. The system includes a plurality ofconduits arranged to pass through the plurality of panels. A coolingfluid is passed through the plurality of conduits to cool the pluralityof panels. An amount of the water condensate formed on surfaces of theplurality of panels in response to cooling is detected. The plurality ofpanels are configured to be rotated about the central axis within theenclosure to remove the water condensate from the surfaces of theplurality of panels when the detected amount of the water condensateexceeds a predetermined threshold.

According to the twelfth aspect, the system can include a sensor circuitlocated proximate to the plurality of panels. The sensor circuit isconfigured to detect the amount of the water condensate formed on thesurfaces of the plurality of panels in response to cooling. The systemcan include an atmosphere flow regulator. The atmosphere flow regulatoris configured to pass the atmosphere through the at least one sealableintake port into the enclosure and over the surfaces of the plurality ofpanels. The system can include a control circuit in communication withthe atmosphere flow regulator. The control circuit is configured tocontrol the atmosphere flow regulator to control a passage of theatmosphere over the surfaces of the plurality of panels. A volume ofatmosphere passed over the surfaces of the plurality of panels isdependent upon a humidity of the atmosphere detected by the sensorcircuit. The plurality of conduits can penetrate the plurality of panelssubstantially perpendicular to the plurality of panels. The plurality ofconduits can be arranged substantially parallel to the central axis.

According to the twelfth aspect, each of the plurality of panels can beseparated from an adjacent panel by a predetermined distance. Each ofthe plurality of conduits is separated from an adjacent conduit by apredetermined distance. Each of the plurality of panels can comprisemetal, such as, for example, aluminum. Each of the plurality of conduitscan comprise metal. The cooling fluid can comprise, for example, water.The enclosure can be substantially cylindrical. Each of the plurality ofpanels can be substantially circular. Alternatively, each of theplurality of panels can comprise two pairs of opposing edges. Forexample, a first pair of opposing edges can be curved, and a second pairof opposing edges can be substantially straight. The plurality ofconduits can be in fluid communication with each other.

The system can include an atmosphere filtration device. The atmospherefiltration device can be configured to filter the atmosphere passed intothe enclosure via the at least one sealable intake port. The system caninclude a collector. The collector can be configured to hold collectedwater condensate removed from the surfaces of the plurality of panelsthat is passed out of the at least one sealable exhaust port, afterrotation of the enclosure. The system can include a sterilizer. Thesterilizer can be configured to sterilize the collected water condensateto produce the potable water. The system can include a cooling fluidsupplier. The cooling fluid supplier can be configured to supply thecooling fluid through the plurality of conduits to cool the plurality ofpanels. The cooling fluid supplier can comprise, for example, acondenser. The plurality of conduits can comprise a plurality of pipes.The cooling fluid can be passed through each of the plurality of pipesto cool the plurality of panels.

According to the twelfth aspect, the enclosure can comprise, forexample, a radiator. Each of the plurality of panels can comprise a finof the radiator. The system can include a rotation device in connectionwith the central axis. The rotation device can be configured to turn thecentral axis to rotate the plurality of panels within the enclosure. Thesystem can include an enclosure support configured to support theenclosure. The central axis can comprise a supply conduit. The supplyconduit can be in fluid communication with the plurality of conduits.The cooling fluid can enter the enclosure through a first end of thesupply conduit to be passed through the plurality of conduits. Thecooling fluid can exit the enclosure from the plurality of conduitsthrough a second end of the supply conduit.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, a system forproducing potable water from atmosphere includes means for enclosing aspace. The space enclosing means includes at least one sealable intakeport means, and at least one sealable exhaust port means. The systemincludes a plurality of means for forming water condensate arrangedwithin the space enclosing means substantially parallel to each otheralong a central axis. Each of the plurality of water condensate formingmeans is comprised of a material on which water condensate from theatmosphere forms in response to a temperature differential between thematerial and the atmosphere passed through the space enclosing means.The system includes a plurality of means for passing cooling fluidthrough the plurality of water condensate forming means to cool theplurality of water condensate forming means. An amount of the watercondensate formed on surfaces of the plurality of water condensateforming means in response to cooling is detected. The plurality of watercondensate forming means are configured to be rotated about the centralaxis within the space enclosing means to remove the water condensatefrom the surfaces of the plurality of water condensate forming meanswhen the detected amount of the water condensate exceeds a predeterminedthreshold.

According to the thirteenth aspect, the system can include means forsensing humidity located proximate to the plurality of water condensateforming means. The humidity sensing means can be configured to detectthe amount of the water condensate formed on the surfaces of theplurality of water condensate forming means in response to cooling. Thesystem can include means for regulating atmosphere flow. The atmosphereflow regulating means can be configured to pass the atmosphere throughthe at least one sealable intake port means into the space enclosingmeans and over the surfaces of the plurality of water condensate formingmeans. The system can include means for controlling the atmosphere flowregulating means. The controlling means can be configured to control theatmosphere flow regulating means to control a passage of the atmosphereover the surfaces of the plurality of water condensate forming means. Avolume of atmosphere passed over the surfaces of the plurality of watercondensate forming means can be dependent upon a humidity of theatmosphere detected by the humidity sensing means. The plurality ofcooling fluid passing means can penetrate the plurality of watercondensate forming means substantially perpendicular to the plurality ofwater condensate forming means. The plurality of cooling fluid passingmeans can be arranged substantially parallel to the central axis.

According to the thirteenth aspect, each of the plurality of watercondensate forming means can be separated from an adjacent watercondensate forming means by a predetermined distance. Each of theplurality of cooling fluid passing means can be separated from anadjacent cooling fluid passing means by a predetermined distance. Eachof the plurality of water condensate forming means can comprise metal,such as, for example, aluminum. Each of the plurality of cooling fluidpassing means can comprise metal. The cooling fluid can comprise, forexample, water. The space enclosing means can be substantiallycylindrical. Each of the plurality of water condensate forming means canbe substantially circular. Alternatively, each of the plurality of watercondensate forming means can comprise two pairs of opposing edges. Forexample, a first pair of opposing edges can be curved, and a second pairof opposing edges can be substantially straight. The plurality ofcooling fluid passing means can be in fluid communication with eachother.

According to the thirteenth aspect, the system can include means forfiltering atmosphere. The atmosphere filtering means can be configuredto filter the atmosphere passed into the space enclosing means via theat least one sealable intake port means. The system can include meansfor collecting water condensate. The water condensate collecting meanscan be configured to hold collected water condensate removed from thesurfaces of the plurality of water condensate forming means that ispassed out of the at least one sealable exhaust port means, afterrotation of the space enclosing means. The system can include means forsterilizing water condensate. The water condensate sterilizing means canbe configured to sterilize the collected water condensate to produce thepotable water. The system can include means for supplying cooling fluid.The cooling fluid supplying means can be configured to supply thecooling fluid through the plurality of cooling fluid passing means tocool the plurality of water condensate forming means. The cooling fluidsupplying means can comprise, for example, a condenser means. Theplurality of cooling fluid passing means can comprise a plurality ofconduit means. The cooling fluid can be passed through each of theplurality of conduit means to cool the plurality of water condensateforming means.

According to the thirteenth aspect, the space enclosing means cancomprise a radiator means. For example, each of the plurality of watercondensate forming means can comprise a fin of the radiator means. Thesystem can include means for rotating the plurality of water condensateforming means in connection with the central axis. The rotating meanscan be configured to turn the central axis to rotate the plurality ofwater condensate forming means within the space enclosing means. Thesystem can include means for supporting the space enclosing means. Thecentral axis can comprise a supply means. The supply means can be influid communication with the plurality of cooling fluid passing means.The cooling fluid can enter the space enclosing means through a firstend of the supply means to be passed through the plurality of coolingfluid passing means. The cooling fluid can exit the space enclosingmeans from the plurality of cooling fluid passing means through a secondend of the supply means.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a method ofproducing potable water from atmosphere, comprising the steps of: a.)cooling a plurality of panels arranged within an enclosure substantiallyparallel to each other along a central axis, wherein each of theplurality of panels is comprised of a material on which water condensatefrom the atmosphere forms in response to a temperature differentialbetween the material and the atmosphere passed through the enclosure;b.) passing atmosphere through the enclosure and over surfaces of theplurality of panels to form the water condensate on surfaces of theplurality of panels; c.) detecting an amount of the water condensateformed on the surfaces of the plurality of panels in response tocooling; d.) determining whether the amount of the water condensateformed on the surfaces of the plurality of panels exceeds apredetermined threshold; and e.) rotating the plurality of panels aboutthe central axis within the enclosure to remove the water condensatefrom the surfaces of the plurality of panels, when the amount of thewater condensate formed on the surfaces of the plurality of panelsexceeds the predetermined threshold.

According to the fourteenth aspect, the method can include the steps of:f.) detecting a humidity of the atmosphere; and g.) controlling anamount of atmosphere passed through the enclosure and over the pluralityof panels based upon the humidity of the atmosphere detected in step(f). Each of the plurality of panels can be separated from an adjacentpanel by a predetermined distance. Each of the plurality of panels cancomprise metal, such as, for example, aluminum. The method can includethe steps of: h.) filtering the atmosphere passed into the enclosure andover the plurality of panels; i.) collecting the water condensateremoved from the surfaces of the plurality of panels; j.) sterilizingthe collected water condensate to produce the potable water; and k.)supplying a cooling fluid into the enclosure to cool the plurality ofpanels.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, a system forproducing potable water from atmosphere includes a sealed enclosure. Thesealed enclosure includes at least one sealable air intake port throughwhich atmosphere is passed into the sealed enclosure, and at least onesealable potable water exhaust port through which collected potablewater is passed out of the sealed enclosure. The system includes aplurality of panels arranged within the sealed enclosure substantiallyparallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to a centralaxis. Each of the plurality of panels is comprised of a material onwhich water condensate from the atmosphere forms in response to atemperature differential between the material and the atmosphere passedthrough the enclosure. Each of the plurality of panels is separated froman adjacent panel by a first predetermined distance. The system includesa plurality of conduits penetrating the plurality of panels and arrangedsubstantially perpendicular to the plurality of panels and substantiallyparallel to the central axis. Each of the plurality of conduits isseparated from an adjacent conduit by a second predetermined distance. Acooling fluid is passed through the plurality of conduits to cool theplurality of panels. The system includes a sensor circuit locatedproximate to the plurality of panels. The sensor circuit is configuredto detect an amount of water condensate formed on surfaces of theplurality of panels in response to cooling of the plurality of panels.The plurality of panels are configured to be rotated about the centralaxis within the sealed enclosure to remove the water condensate from thesurfaces of the plurality of panels when the detected amount of watercondensate exceeds a predetermined threshold.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, a system forproducing potable water from atmosphere includes an enclosure. Theenclosure includes an intake port, and an exhaust port. The systemincludes a plurality of cooling surfaces arranged within the enclosureabout a central axis. The plurality of cooling surfaces are comprised ofa material on which water condensate from the atmosphere forms inresponse to a temperature differential between the material and theatmosphere passed through the enclosure. The system includes a pluralityof conduits arranged within the enclosure. The plurality of conduits arearranged to pass through the plurality of cooling surfaces. A coolingfluid is passed through the plurality of conduits to cool the pluralityof cooling surfaces. An amount of the water condensate formed on theplurality of cooling surfaces in response to cooling is detected. Theplurality of cooling surfaces are configured to be rotated about thecentral axis within the enclosure to remove the water condensate fromthe plurality of cooling surfaces when the detected amount of the watercondensate exceeds a predetermined threshold.

According to the sixteenth aspect, he plurality of cooling surfaces cancomprise interlacing meshes of cooling strands. Each of the coolingstrands can comprise metal, such as, for example, aluminum. The systemcan include a sensor circuit located proximate to the plurality ofcooling surfaces. The sensor circuit can be configured to detect theamount of the water condensate formed on the plurality of coolingsurfaces in response to cooling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments, in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals have been used todesignate like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system for producing potable waterfrom atmosphere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a system for producing potable waterfrom atmosphere, in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating steps for producing potable waterfrom atmosphere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating steps for producing potable waterfrom atmosphere, in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a system for producing potable waterfrom atmosphere, in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a system for producing potable waterfrom atmosphere, in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of panels used forproducing potable water from atmosphere, in accordance with thealternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an angled view of the system forproducing potable water from atmosphere, in accordance with analternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a cut-away side view of the system forproducing potable water from atmosphere, in accordance with analternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating steps for producing potable waterfrom atmosphere, in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to a systemand method for extracting potable water from the atmosphere. Accordingto exemplary embodiments, the system can include a first surface, and asecond surface arranged substantially parallel to the first surface. Thefirst and second surfaces can be comprised of a material, such as, forexample, glass, metal, plastic or the like, on which water condensationfrom the atmosphere can form in response to a temperature differentialbetween the material and the atmosphere. A seal can be formed around theperiphery of the first and second surfaces to form an enclosure betweenthe first and second surfaces. The enclosure can be filled with aliquid, such as, for example, water, alcohol or the like, and a coolingdevice, such as, for example, a refrigeration coil, can be positionedwithin the liquid within the enclosure. A sensor circuit locatedproximate to the first and second surfaces can detect the amount ofwater condensate formed on the first and second surfaces in response tothe cooling of the surfaces by the liquid that is cooled by the coolingdevice. A wiper, such as a squeegee or the like, in contact with each ofthe first and second surfaces can remove water condensate from therespective first and second surfaces when the sensor circuit detects theamount of water condensate formed on the respective first and secondsurfaces exceeds a predetermined value. A collector can collect thewater condensate removed from the first and second surfaces for use aspotable water. In addition, the collector can include a sterilizer forsterilizing the collected water condensate to produce the potable water.Furthermore, a control circuit connected to an atmosphere flow regulatorcan control the volume of atmosphere passed over the first and secondsurfaces to vary the amount of condensate formed on the surfaces toincrease or decrease the amount of potable water produced by the system.

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be describedin greater detail. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system 100 forproducing potable water from atmosphere, in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. The system 100 includes a firstsurface 105 and a second surface 110. The second surface 110 can bearranged substantially parallel to the first surface 105. The first andsecond surfaces 105 and 110 can be comprised of a material on whichwater condensation from the atmosphere forms in response to atemperature differential between the material and the atmosphere. Thematerial can be any suitable material on which water condensation canform in response to cooling of the material in a humid environment. Forexample, the material can be comprised of glass, metal, plastic or thelike.

A seal 115 is formed around a periphery of the first and second surfaces105 and 110 to form an enclosure between the first and second surfaces105 and 110. The seal 115 can be comprised of the same material as thefirst and second surfaces 105 and 110, although the seal 115 can becomprised of any suitable material to form the enclosure. According toexemplary embodiments, the first and second surfaces 105 and 110 can bespaced apart from each other by any suitable distance to create anenclosure of any desired volume. According to one exemplary embodiment,the first and second surfaces 105 and 110 can be spaced apart byapproximately one inch, although any suitable spacing distance can beused. According to exemplary embodiments, the enclosure is substantiallycompletely filled with a liquid. Any suitable liquid can be used tosubstantially completely fill the enclosure, including water, alcohol,an appropriate gas in a liquid state or the like.

The system 100 includes a cooling device 120 positioned within theenclosure. The cooling device 120 can be comprised of any suitablemechanism capable of cooling the liquid within the enclosure. Forexample, the cooling device 120 can comprise a refrigeration coil.According to an alternatively exemplary embodiment, the cooling device120 can comprise a plurality of pipes, in which a cooling fluid can bepassed through each of the plurality of pipes to cool the liquid withinthe enclosure. Other such mechanisms and configurations can be used forthe cooling device 120. The system 100 can include a cooling fluidsupplier 155 connected to the cooling device 120 for supplying a coolingfluid through the cooling device 120 to cool the liquid within theenclosure. The cooling fluid supplier 155 can be, for example, acondenser or other suitable refrigeration device capable of providingthe cooling fluid (e.g., freon, a freon substitute, water or the likefluid) through the cooling device 120. According to exemplaryembodiments, the cooling device 120 is immersed in the liquid in theenclosure to more evenly distribute the cooling of the first and secondsurfaces 105 and 110, thereby allowing for more even water condensationacross the entirety of first and second surfaces 105 and 110. Thus, thecooling device 120 cools the liquid in the enclosure, which, in turn,substantially evenly cools the first and second surfaces 105 and 110.

The system 100 includes a sensor circuit 125 located proximate to thefirst and second surfaces 105 and 110. The sensor circuit 125 isconfigured to detect the amount of water condensate formed on the firstand second surfaces 105 and 110 in response to cooling of the first andsecond surfaces 105 and 110 by the liquid that is cooled by the coolingdevice 120. The sensor circuit 125 can comprise, for example, a humiditysensor or other suitable type of electrical or electronic sensor orcircuit that is capable of detecting the presence and amount of waterformed on a surface. The sensor circuit 125 can include, for example, aplurality of sensor pads 127 that rest on or near each of the first andsecond surfaces 105 and 110 and are in electrical communication with thesensor circuit 125. Any appropriate number of sensor pads 127 can beplaced in any suitable locations over the first and second surfaces 105and 110 to allow for a proper determination of the amount of watercondensate formed on the surfaces.

The system 100 includes a wiper 130 in contact with each of the firstand second surfaces 105 and 110. The wipers 130 can comprise a squeegeeor any other suitable type of component capable of removing water from asurface, such as a brush or the like. Each of the wipers 130 isconfigured to remove water condensate from the respective first andsecond surfaces 105 and 110 when the sensor circuit 125 detects theamount of water condensate formed on the respective first and secondsurfaces 105 and 110 exceeds a predetermined value. The system 100 caninclude a wiper movement mechanism 133 that is configured to move thewipers 130 across each of the first and second surfaces 105 and 110. Forexample, the wipers 130 can be initially positioned at the top of thefirst and second surfaces 105 and 110 and wipe the surfaces in adownward direction to remove the water condensate, and then return totheir respective initial positions. The wiper movement mechanism 133 canbe in electrical communication with the sensor circuit 125 using anysuitable type of electrical connection. The wiper movement mechanism 133can be comprised of any suitable electrical, electronic and/ormechanical means capable of moving the wipers 130.

According to exemplary embodiments, when the sensor circuit 125determines that the amount of water condensate formed on a surfaceexceeds the predetermined threshold, the sensor circuit 125 can activatethe wiper movement mechanism 133 to move the appropriate wiper acrossthe given surface (e.g., either or both wipers 130 across either or bothof first and second surfaces 105 and 110). The predetermined thresholdof water condensate can be based on such factors as the size of thefirst and second surfaces 105 and 110, the amount or rate at which wateris desired to be produced, the relative humidity of the atmosphere andother similar factors. According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensorcircuit 125 can he configured to adapt the predetermined threshold toaccommodate changing conditions (e.g., lower the predetermined thresholdif the relative humidity or the desired rate of water productionincreases). Thus, water condensate can be removed from each of the firstand second surfaces 105 and 110 independently (e.g., based on the amountof water formed on each surface) or concurrently (e.g., a predeterminedthreshold reached on one surface activates wiping of both surfaces).According to an alternative exemplary embodiment, the predeterminedthreshold can be a timing interval to activate wiping of the first andsecond surfaces 105 and 110 either independently or concurrently atpredetermined intervals.

The system 100 includes a collector 135 for collecting the watercondensate removed from the first and second surfaces 105 and 110 foruse as potable water. The collector 135 can be any suitable form oftrap, basin, drain or the like that is capable of capturing or otherwisecollecting and temporarily storing the water condensate removed from thefirst and second surfaces 105 and 110. The collector 135 can be locatedbelow the first and second surfaces 105 and 110 to capture the fallingwater condensate as it is removed from the surfaces by the wipers 130.The collector 135 can include a tank 137 for storing the collected watercondensate. The collector 135 can include a sterilizer 140 forsterilizing the collected water condensate to produce the potable water.The sterilizer 140 can be located, for example, in or near the tank 137.The sterilizer 140 can be any suitable device capable of sterilizingwater, such as, for example, any suitable chemical means (e.g.,chlorine), a heating element (e.g., to boil the water), an ultravioletradiation emitter, or the like.

The system 100 can include an atmosphere flow regulator 145 for passingatmosphere over the first and second surfaces 105 and 110. Theatmosphere flow regulator 145 can be any suitable type of electrical,electronic or mechanical means capable of moving air over the first andsecond surfaces 105 and 110, such as, for example, a fan, a blower, orthe like. The system 100 can also include a control circuit 150 forcontrolling the atmosphere flow regulator 145 to control the passage ofatmosphere over the first and second surfaces 105 and 110. The controlcircuit 150 can be comprised of any suitable digital, analog, ormechanical means that is capable of controlling the rate of air flowproduced by the atmosphere flow regulator 145. According to exemplaryembodiments, the volume of atmosphere passed over the first and secondsurfaces 105 and 110 can be dependent upon, for example, the humidity ofthe atmosphere detected by the sensor circuit 125 (e.g., the volume ofatmosphere passed over the surfaces can increase as the relativehumidity decreases and vice versa).

For example, the control circuit 150 can be in electrical communicationwith the sensor circuit 125 using any suitable form of electricalconnection. If the sensor circuit 125 detects that, for example, therate of water condensation on the first and second surfaces 105 and 110is decreasing (e.g., the interval between wiper activations isincreasing) or the rate of water production is below a desired rate orthreshold (e.g., the relative humidity of the atmosphere is decreasing),the sensor circuit 125 can send an electrical signal or command to thecontrol circuit 150 to increase the rate of air flow from the atmosphereflow regulator 145. Alternatively, if the sensor circuit 125 detectsthat, for example, the rate of water condensation on the first andsecond surfaces 105 and 110 is increasing (e.g., the interval betweenwiper activations is decreasing) or the rate of water production isabove a desired rate or threshold (e.g., the relative humidity of theatmosphere is increasing), the sensor circuit 125 can send an electricalsignal or command to the control circuit 150 to decrease the rate of airflow from the atmosphere flow regulator 145 to maintain a steady orsubstantially constant production of potable water.

According to exemplary embodiments, the first and second surfaces 105and 110 can be of any suitable configuration. For example, the size ofthe first and second surfaces 105 and 110 can depend on the desiredamount of water production. Additionally, the first and second surfaces105 and 110 can be substantially rectangular, substantially circular,substantially planar or the like.

Other alternative configurations of system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 canbe used. For example, the system 100 can include a plurality of surfacesarranged to form a sealed enclosure. The enclosure can be substantiallyfilled with a liquid. Each of the plurality of surfaces can be comprisedof a material on which water condensation from the atmosphere forms whenthere is a temperature differential between the material and theatmosphere. The system 100 can include a cooling coil (e.g., coolingdevice 120) positioned within the liquid within the enclosure. Thecooling coil can be configured to cool the liquid within the enclosureto cool the plurality of surfaces. The system 100 can include at leastone humidity sensor (e.g., sensor circuit 125) located proximate to theplurality of surfaces. Each of the at least one humidity sensor can beconfigured to detect an amount of water condensate formed on theplurality of surfaces. The system 100 can include a plurality of wipers(e.g., wipers 130). Each of the plurality of wipers can be associatedwith a surface of the plurality of surfaces. Each of the plurality ofwipers can be configured to remove water condensate from each of theplurality of surfaces when the at least one humidity sensor detects theamount of water condensate formed on the plurality of surfaces exceeds apredetermined value. The system 100 can include a collector (e.g.,collector 135) for collecting the water condensate removed from theplurality of surfaces for use as potable water. Thus, alternativeexemplary embodiments of the present invention can form a rectangle,pentagon, octagon or other like enclosed structure in which watercondensate can be removed from each side of the structure.

Alternatively, for example, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a system200 for producing potable water from atmosphere, in accordance with analternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system200 includes a conduit 205. The conduit 205 is comprised of a materialon which water condensation from the atmosphere forms in response to atemperature differential between the material and the atmosphere. Thematerial can be any suitable material on which water condensation canform in response to cooling of the material in a humid environment. Forexample, the material can be comprised of glass, metal, plastic or thelike. The conduit 205 can be of any suitable configuration, such as, forexample, a coil, a single tube or pipe, a plurality of tubes or pipes,and the like. The conduit 205 can be of any suitable length anddiameter, depending on the desired amount of water production.

According to exemplary embodiments, a cooling fluid is passed throughthe conduit 205 to cool the conduit 205 so that water condensate canform on the surface of the conduit 205. The cooling fluid can becomprised of any suitable refrigerant capable of cooling the surface ofthe conduit 205, including, for example, freon, a freon substitute,water, alcohol or other like cooling fluid. The system can include acooling fluid supplier 240 for supplying the cooling fluid through theconduit 205. The cooling fluid supplier 240 can be, for example, acondenser or other suitable refrigeration device capable of providingthe cooling fluid through the conduit 205.

The system 200 includes a sensor circuit 210 located proximate to thesurface of the conduit 205. The sensor circuit 210 is configured todetect the amount of water condensate formed on the surface of theconduit 205 in response to cooling of the conduit 205 by the coolingfluid. The sensor circuit 210 can comprise, for example, a humiditysensor or other suitable type of electrical or electronic sensor orcircuit that is capable of detecting the presence and amount of waterformed on the surface of the conduit 205. The sensor circuit 210 caninclude, for example, a plurality of sensor pads 212 that rest on ornear the surface of conduit 205 and are in electrical communication withthe sensor circuit 210. Any appropriate number of sensor pads 212 can beplaced in any suitable locations over the surface of the conduit 205 toallow for a proper determination of the amount of water condensateformed on the conduit 205.

The system 200 includes a wiper 215 in circumferential contact with thesurface of the conduit 205. The wiper 215 is configured to remove watercondensate from the surface of the conduit 205 when the sensor circuit210 detects the amount of water condensate formed on the surface of theconduit 205 exceeds a predetermined value. For example, the wiper 215can be in the form of a ring or donut shape. The wiper 215 can comprisea squeegee or any other suitable type of component capable of removingwater from a surface, such as a brush or the like. The system 200 caninclude a wiper movement mechanism 217 that is configured to move thewiper 215 across the conduit 205. For example, the wiper 215 can beinitially positioned at one end of the conduit 205 (starting near thecooling fluid supplier 240) and wipe the surface to the other end of theconduit 205 (ending near the cooling fluid supplier 240). The wiper 215can then be returned to its original position either at that time orwhen another wiping of the conduit 205 occurs (e.g., creating a back andforth movement along the conduit 205).

However, any suitable number of wipers 215 can be used to wipe conduit205. For example, two wipers 205 can be used to wipe the conduit 205,one at each end of the conduit 205 (both starting, e.g., near thecooling fluid supplier 240). Each wiper 205 can wipe a length of theconduit 205 and then return to its respective original position (e.g.,near the cooling fluid supplier 240) either at that time or when anotherwiping of the conduit 205 occurs (e.g., creating a back and forthmovement along the conduit 205). The wiper movement mechanism 217 can bein electrical communication with the sensor circuit 210 using anysuitable type of electrical connection. The wiper movement mechanism 217can be comprised of any suitable electrical, electronic and/ormechanical means capable of moving the wiper 215.

According to exemplary embodiments, when the sensor circuit 210determines that the amount of water condensate formed on the surface ofthe conduit 205 exceeds the predetermined threshold, the sensor circuit210 can activate the wiper movement mechanism 217 to move the wiper 215across the conduit 205. The predetermined threshold will be based onfactors such as the size and length of the conduit 205, the amount orrate at which water is desired to be produced, the relative humidity ofthe atmosphere and other similar factors. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the sensor circuit 210 can be configured to adapt thepredetermined threshold to accommodate changing conditions (e.g., lowerthe predetermined threshold if the relative humidity or the desired rateof water production increases). According to an alternative exemplaryembodiment, the predetermined threshold can be a timing interval toactivate wiping of the conduit 205 at predetermined intervals

The system 200 includes a collector 220 for collecting the watercondensate removed from the conduit 205 for use as potable water. Thecollector 220 can be any suitable form of trap, basin or the like thatis capable of capturing or otherwise collecting and temporarily storingthe water condensate removed from the conduit 205. The collector 220 canbe located underneath the conduit 205 to capture the falling watercondensate as it is removed from the conduit 205 by the wiper 215. Thecollector 220 can include a tank 222 for storing the collected watercondensate. The collector 220 can include a sterilizer 225 forsterilizing the collected water condensate to produce the potable water.The sterilizer 225 can be located, for example, in the tank 222. Thesterilizer 225 can be any suitable device capable of sterilizing water,such as, for example, any suitable chemical means, a heating element(e.g., to boil the water), an ultraviolet radiation emitter, or thelike.

The system 200 can include an atmosphere flow regulator 230 for passingatmosphere over the surface of the conduit 205. The atmosphere flowregulator 230 can be any suitable type of electrical, electronic ormechanical means capable of moving air over the conduit 205, such as,for example, a fan, a blower, or the like. The system 200 can alsoinclude a control circuit 235 for controlling the atmosphere flowregulator 230 to control a passage of atmosphere over the surface of theconduit 205. The control circuit 235 can be comprised of any suitabledigital, analog, or mechanical means that is capable of controlling therate of air flow produced by the atmosphere flow regulator 235.According to exemplary embodiments, the volume of atmosphere passed overthe conduit 205 can be dependent upon, for example, the humidity of theatmosphere detected by the sensor circuit 210.

For example, the control circuit 235 can be in electrical communicationwith the sensor circuit 210 using any suitable form of electricalconnection. If the sensor circuit 210 detects that, for example, therate of water condensation on the conduit 205 is decreasing (e.g., theinterval between wiper activations is increasing) or the rate of waterproduction is below a desired rate or threshold (e.g., the relativehumidity of the atmosphere is decreasing), the sensor circuit 210 cansend an electrical signal or command to the control circuit 235 toincrease the rate of air flow from the atmosphere flow regulator 230.Alternatively, if the sensor circuit 210 detects that, for example, therate of water condensation on the conduit 205 is increasing (e.g., theinterval between wiper activations is decreasing) or the rate of waterproduction is above a desired rate or threshold (e.g., the relativehumidity of the atmosphere is increasing), the sensor circuit 210 cansend an electrical signal or command to the control circuit 235 todecrease the rate of air flow from the atmosphere flow regulator 230 inorder to maintain a steady or substantially constant production ofpotable water.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating steps for producing potable waterfrom atmosphere, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. In step 305, a cooling device can be enclosed withina liquid within an enclosure. Surfaces of the enclosure can be comprisedof a material on which water condensation from the atmosphere forms inresponse to a temperature differential between the material and theatmosphere. For example, the material can comprise glass, metal, plasticor the like. For example, the liquid can comprise water, alcohol or thelike. In step 310, a cooling fluid can be conveyed through the coolingdevice to cool the liquid within the enclosure. In step 315, the liquidin the enclosure can be cooled to cool the surfaces of the enclosure. Instep 320, a passage of atmosphere over the surfaces of the enclosure canbe regulated. A volume of atmosphere passed over the surfaces of theenclosure can be dependent upon a humidity of the atmosphere. In step325, an amount of water condensate formed on the surfaces in response tocooling of the surfaces by the liquid cooled by the cooling device canbe detected. In step 330, water condensate can be removed from thesurfaces of the enclosure when the amount of water condensate formed onthe surfaces exceeds a predetermined value. In step 335, the watercondensate removed from the surfaces of the enclosure can be collectedfor use as potable water. In step 340, the collected water condensatecan be sterilized to produce the potable water.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating steps for producing potable waterfrom atmosphere, in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodimentof the present invention. In step 405, a cooling fluid can be conveyedthrough a conduit to cool the conduit. The conduit can be comprised of amaterial on which water condensation from the atmosphere forms inresponse to a temperature differential between the material and theatmosphere, such as, for example, glass, metal, plastic or the like. Theconduit can of any suitable structure, such as a coil, tube or the like.The cooling fluid can be a refrigerant or the like. In step 410, apassage of atmosphere over the surface of the conduit can be regulated.A volume of atmosphere passed over the surface of the conduit can bedependent upon a humidity of the atmosphere. In step 415, an amount ofwater condensate formed on a surface of the conduit in response tocooling of the conduit by the cooling fluid can be detected. In step420, water condensate can be removed from the surface of the conduitwhen the amount of water condensate formed on the surface of the conduitmeans exceeds a predetermined value. In step 425, the water condensateremoved from the conduit means can be collected for use as potablewater. In step 430, the collected water condensate can be sterilized toproduce the potable water.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a system 500 for producing potablewater from atmosphere, in accordance with an alternative exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. The system 500 includes a pluralityof surfaces 505 arranged to form a sealed enclosure 510. Each of theplurality of surfaces 505 can be comprised of a material on which watercondensation from the atmosphere forms when there is a temperaturedifferential between the material and the atmosphere. For example, eachof the plurality of surfaces 505 can be comprised of glass, metal,plastic, or the like. Each of the plurality of surfaces 505 can be ofany suitable configuration, such as substantially rectangular,substantially circular, substantially planar or the like.

The system 500 includes a cooling fluid supplier 515, such as acondenser or the like, in fluid communication with the sealed enclosure510 for supplying a cooling fluid within the sealed enclosure 510. Thecooling fluid can be, for example, water, alcohol, or other suitablecooling fluid. The cooling fluid supplier 515 can be configured tocontain or otherwise store cooling fluid (e.g., as a tank) for supply tothe sealed enclosure 510. The cooling fluid supplier 515 can be fluidlyconnected to the sealed enclosure 510 using, for example, pipes 520.According to an exemplary embodiment, one of the pipes 520 can beconfigured to bring cooling fluid from the cooling fluid supplier 515 tothe sealed enclosure 510 (e.g., at or near the top of the sealedenclosure 510) to fill the sealed enclosure 510 with the cooling fluid.

Another of the pipes 520 can be configured to return the cooling fluidfrom the sealed enclosure 510 (e.g., at or near the bottom of the sealedenclosure 510) to the cooling fluid supplier 515 for re-cooling andeventual re-supply to the sealed enclosure 510. Thus, the exemplaryembodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 can provide a circulation system forcirculating cooling fluid, in the sealed enclosure 510, that is cooledby the cooling fluid supplier 515.

The system 500 includes at least one humidity sensor 525 locatedproximate to the plurality of surfaces 505. The at least one humiditysensor 525 can be configured to detect an amount of water condensateformed on the plurality of surfaces 505. The at least one humiditysensor 525 can include, for example, a plurality of sensor pads 530 thatrest on or near one or more of the plurality surfaces 505 and are inelectrical communication with the at least one humidity sensor 525. Anyappropriate number of sensor pads 530 can be placed in any suitablelocations over the plurality of surfaces 505 to allow for a properdetermination of the amount of water condensate formed on the surfaces.

The system 500 includes a plurality of wipers 535. Each of the pluralityof wipers 535 can associated with a surface of the plurality of surfaces505. Each of the plurality of wipers 535 can be configured to removewater condensate from each of the plurality of surfaces 505 when the atleast one humidity sensor 525 detects the amount of water condensateformed on the plurality of surfaces 505 exceeds a predetermined value.Each of the plurality of wipers 535 can comprise a squeegee or any othersuitable type of component capable of removing water from a surface,such as a brush or the like. The system 500 can include a wiper movementmechanism 540 that is configured to move the wipers 535 across each ofthe plurality of surfaces 505. For example, the wipers 535 can beinitially positioned at or near the top of the plurality of surfaces 505and wipe the surfaces in a downward direction (either concurrently orindependently) to remove the water condensate, and then return to theirrespective initial positions. The wiper movement mechanism 540 can be inelectrical communication with the at least one humidity sensor 525 usingany suitable type of electrical connection. The wiper movement mechanism540 can be comprised of any suitable electrical, electronic and/ormechanical means capable of moving the wipers 535.

The system 500 includes a collector 545 for collecting the watercondensate removed from the plurality of surfaces 505 for use as potablewater. The collector 545 can be any suitable form of trap, basin, drainor the like that is capable of capturing or otherwise collecting andtemporarily storing the water condensate removed from the plurality ofsurfaces 505. The collector 545 can be located below the plurality ofsurfaces 505 to capture the falling water condensate as it is removedfrom the surfaces by the wipers 535. The collector 545 can include atank 550 for storing the collected water condensate. The collector 545can include a sterilizer 555 for sterilizing the collected watercondensate to produce the potable water. The sterilizer 555 can belocated, for example, in the tank 550 or separately from the tank 550.The sterilizer 555 can be any suitable device capable of sterilizingwater, such as, for example, any suitable chemical means (e.g.,chlorine), a heating element (e.g., to boil the water), an ultravioletradiation emitter, or the like.

The system 500 can include an atmosphere flow regulator 560 for passingatmosphere over the plurality of surfaces. The atmosphere flow regulator560 can be any suitable type of electrical, electronic or mechanicalmeans capable of moving air over the plurality of surfaces 505, such as,for example, a fan, a blower, or the like. The system 500 can alsoinclude a control circuit 565 for controlling the atmosphere flowregulator 560 to control the passage of atmosphere over the plurality ofsurfaces 505. The control circuit 565 can be comprised of any suitabledigital, analog, or mechanical means that is capable of controlling therate of air flow produced by the atmosphere flow regulator 560.According to exemplary embodiments, the volume of atmosphere passed overthe plurality of surfaces 505 can be dependent upon, for example, thehumidity of the atmosphere detected by the at least one humidity sensor525 (e.g., the volume of atmosphere passed over the surfaces canincrease as the relative humidity decreases and vice versa). The atleast one humidity sensor 525, the control circuit 565 and the wipermovement mechanism 540 can all be in electrical communication with eachother using any suitable type of electrical connection.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a system 600 for producing potablewater from atmosphere, in accordance with an alternative exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. The system 600 includes anenclosure 605. The enclosure 605 includes at least one intake port 610.The intake port 610 is configured to allow air or fluid to enter theenclosure 605. However, the intake port 610 is sealable (e.g., using avalve or other suitable form of seal), upon activation, to preventfluids from escaping from the enclosure 605. The enclosure 605 includesat least one exhaust port 615. The exhaust port 615 is configured toallow air or fluid to exit the enclosure 605. However, the exhaust port615 is sealable (e.g., using a valve or other suitable form of seal),upon activation, to prevent fluids from escaping from the enclosure 615.The system 600 includes a plurality of panels 620 arranged within theenclosure 605 substantially parallel to each other along a central axis625. Each of the plurality of panels 620 is comprised of a material onwhich water condensate from the atmosphere forms in response to atemperature differential between the material and the atmosphere passedthrough the enclosure 605. For example, each of the plurality of panels620 can be comprised of metal (e.g., aluminum or other like metal),plastic, glass or the like. According to an exemplary embodiment, theenclosure 605 can comprise a radiator or the like, with each of theplurality of panels 620 comprising a fin or the like of the radiator.The enclosure 605 can be of any suitable shape and size, depending upon,for example, the shape of the panels 620, the desired amount of waterproduction by the system 600, and other like factors.

According to an alternative exemplary embodiment, the plurality ofpanels 620 can comprise a plurality of cooling surfaces. The pluralityof cooling surfaces can be comprised of, for example, interlacing meshesof cooling strands, such as strands or filaments of metal (e.g.,aluminum or the like). The interlacing meshes of cooling strands can beakin to, for example, “steel wool” or the like interwoven structures.However, other suitable forms of condensation filters can be used.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the plurality of panels 620 used forproducing potable water from atmosphere, in accordance with thealternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Each of theplurality of panels 620 can be separated from an adjacent panel 620 by apredetermined distance. For example, according to one exemplaryembodiment, the predetermined distance between panels 620 can be betweenapproximately five millimeters and approximately seven millimeters,although the panels 620 can be separated from each other by any suitableamount. The plurality of panels 620 can be of any suitable diameter andthickness. For example, according to one exemplary embodiment, each ofthe plurality of panels 620 can be approximately 1.7 meters in diameterand approximately one quarter of an inch thick.

The shape of each of the plurality of panels 620 can be configured tofit within the enclosure 605. For example, each of the plurality ofpanels 620 can be substantially circular in shape. According to thisexemplary embodiment, if each panel 620 is approximately 1.7 meters indiameter, the area of each side of each panel 620 would be approximately2.25 square meters, with the total surface area of each panel 620 beingapproximately 4.5 square meters. However, as illustrated in FIG. 7, eachof the plurality of panels 620 can be comprised of two pairs of opposingedges. A first pair of opposing edges 703 can be curved, while a secondpair of opposing edges 707 can be substantially straight. According tothis alternative exemplary embodiment, if each panel 620 isapproximately 1.7 meters in diameter, the area of each side of eachpanel 620 would be approximately 1.85 square meters in area, with thetotal surface area of each panel 620 being approximately 3.7 squaremeters (e.g., each of the straight edges 707 can be approximately 1.2meters in length). Other configurations of the plurality of panels 620can be used, depending on factors, such as, for example, the shape ofthe enclosure 605, the desired amount of water to be produced by thesystem 600, and the like. Any suitable number of panels can be used,depending on the desired amount of water to be produced by the system600. For example, according to one exemplary embodiment, approximately600 square meters of total surface area can be used for the plurality ofpanels 620, resulting in approximately 133 panels 620 (e.g., if circularpanels are used) or 163 panels 620 (e.g., if panels 620 with theconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 7 are used). Using approximately 600square meters of total surface area to form water condensate, the system600 can produce approximately 1200 liters of potable water per hour.

Continuing with the illustration of FIG. 7, the system 600 includes aplurality of conduits 715 arranged to pass through the plurality ofpanels 620. According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality ofconduits 715 can penetrate the plurality of panels 620 substantiallyperpendicular to the plurality of panels 620. The plurality of conduits715 can be arranged substantially parallel to the central axis 625.However, the plurality of conduits 715 can be arranged in any suitablemanner to penetrate the plurality of panels 620. Each of the pluralityof conduits 715 can be separated from an adjacent conduit 715 by apredetermined distance. For example, according to one exemplaryembodiment, the predetermined distance between conduits 715 can beapproximately two inches, although the conduits 715 can be separatedfrom each other by any suitable amount. Each conduit 715 can be of anysuitable diameter. According to one exemplary embodiment, each conduit715 can be approximately ⅜ inches in diameter. Any suitable number ofconduits 715 can be used, depending on, for example, the desired amountof water to be produced by the system 600, the size of the panels 620,the amount of cooling required, and the like. For example, according toone exemplary embodiment, approximately 536 conduits can be used, ifeach panel 620 is approximately 1.7 meters in diameter, with curvededges 703 and straight edges 707 (as illustrated in FIG. 7).

According to exemplary embodiments, a cooling fluid can be passedthrough each of the plurality of conduits 715 to cool the plurality ofpanels 620. The cooling fluid can be comprised of any suitable liquid orfluid that is capable of cooling, such as, for example, water, a freonsubstitute or the like. Each of the conduits 715 can be comprised of anysuitable material capable of being cooled, such as, for example, metal(e.g., aluminum, copper or the like), plastic or the like. The pluralityof conduits 715 can be in fluid communication with each other. In otherwords, the plurality of conduits 715 can be comprised of a singlecontinuous conduit that is “woven” through the plurality of panels 620,having one ingress through which the cooling fluid enters and one egressthrough which the cooling fluid exits. However, other configurations ofthe plurality of conduits 715 can be used. For example, the plurality ofconduits 715 can be comprised of a plurality of separate pipes, in whichthe cooling fluid is separately passed through each of the plurality ofpipes to cool the plurality of panels 620.

According to exemplary embodiments, an amount of the water condensateformed on surfaces of the plurality of panels 620 in response to coolingcan be detected. For example, the system 600 can include a sensorcircuit 720 located proximate to the plurality of panels 620. The sensorcircuit 720, such as a humidity sensor or other suitable electrical orelectronic device, is configured to detect the amount of the watercondensate formed on the surfaces of the plurality of panels 620 inresponse to cooling. The sensor circuit 720 can be connected to one ormore sensor pads 723 located on or near surfaces of the plurality ofpanels 620. Any suitable number of sensor pads 723 can be used fordetecting the amount of water condensate formed on the surfaces of theplurality of panels 620. For example, a sensor pad 723 can be located onor near each surface of each panel 620, although a subset of theplurality of panels 620 can have a sensor pad 723 located on or nearthose panels. Additionally or alternatively, sensor pads 723 can belocated within the enclosure 605 near the panels 620 to allow the sensorcircuit 720 to detect the humidity within the enclosure 605.Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of sensor circuits 720 can beused. The sensor circuit(s) 720 can be located in, on or near theenclosure 605.

According to exemplary embodiments, the plurality of panels 620 areconfigured to be rotated about the central axis 625 within the enclosure605 to remove the water condensate from the surfaces of the plurality ofpanels 620 when the detected amount of the water condensate exceeds apredetermined threshold. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an angled viewof the system 600 for producing potable water from atmosphere, inaccordance with an alternative exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. The system 600 can include a rotation device 805 inconnection with the central axis 625. The sensor circuit 720 can be inelectrical communication with the rotation device 805. The rotationdevice 805 is configured to turn the central axis 625 to rotate theplurality of panels 620 within the enclosure 605. The rotation device805 can comprise, for example, a motor or the like that can be connectedto the central axis 625 using any suitable form of connection means 810,such as, for example, a pulley and belt system, gears, chains, pinionsor the like. Thus, when the sensor circuit 720 detects that the amountof water condensate formed on the plurality of panels 620 exceeds thepredetermined threshold, the rotation device 805 can be activated tospin, turn or otherwise rotate the plurality of panels 620 at sufficientrevolutions per minute to remove the water condensate from the surfacesof the plurality of panels 620 through centrifugal force. Thepredetermined threshold can be any suitable humidity level, depending onthe desired amount of water production, the relative humidity of the airentering the enclosure 605, and other like factors.

According to exemplary embodiments, air is passed through the intakeport 610 into the enclosure 605, over the plurality of panels 605, andout the exhaust port 615. Due to the temperature differential betweenthe cooled plurality of panels 620 and the air, water condensate formson the surfaces of the plurality of panels 620. Once the amount of watercondensate formed on the plurality of panels 620 exceeds thepredetermined threshold (as detected by the sensor circuit 720), theintake port 610 and exhaust port 615 can be sealed. The plurality ofpanels 620 are then rotated or otherwise spun by the rotation device805. The water condensate is removed from the surfaces of the panels 620through centrifugal force and collects in the enclosure 605, such as atthe bottom of the enclosure around the (sealed) exhaust port 615. Afterthe rotation of the panels 620 is stopped (e.g., after a predeterminedlength of time, when the sensor circuit 720 detects that the amount ofwater condensate has dropped below a certain minimum level, or thelike), the intake port 610 and exhaust port 615 can be opened. The watercondensate that has collected in the enclosure can then exit theenclosure through the exhaust port 615 located on the bottom of theenclosure 605. Referring to FIG. 6, the system 600 can include acollector 630. The collector 630 is configured to hold the collectedwater condensate removed from the surfaces of the plurality of panels620 that is passed out of the exhaust port 615, after rotation of theenclosure 605. In addition, the system can include a sterilizer 635, forexample, located in or near the collector 630. The sterilizer 635 isconfigured to sterilize the collected water condensate to produce thepotable water. The sterilizer 635 can be any suitable device capable ofsterilizing water, such as, for example, any suitable chemical means(e.g., chlorine), a heating element (e.g., to boil the water), anultraviolet radiation emitter, or the like.

The system 600 can include an atmosphere flow regulator 640. Theatmosphere flow regulator 640 is configured to pass the atmospherethrough the intake port 620 into the enclosure 605 and over the surfacesof the plurality of panels 620. The atmosphere flow regulator 640 can beany suitable type of electrical, electronic or mechanical means capableof moving air into the enclosure 605 and over the surfaces of the panels620, such as, for example, a fan, a turbine fan, a blower, or the like.The system 600 can also include a control circuit 645 in electricalcommunication with the atmosphere flow regulator 640. The controlcircuit 645 is configured to control the atmosphere flow regulator 640to control a passage of the atmosphere into the enclosure 605 and overthe surfaces of the plurality of panels 620. The control circuit. 645can be comprised of any suitable digital, analog, or mechanical meansthat is capable of controlling the rate of air flow produced by theatmosphere flow regulator 640. According to exemplary embodiments, thevolume of atmosphere passed into the enclosure 605 and over the surfacesof the panels 620 can be dependent upon, for example, the humidity ofthe atmosphere detected by the sensor circuit 720 (e.g., the volume ofatmosphere passed over the surfaces can increase as the relativehumidity decreases and vice versa).

For example, the control circuit 645 can be in electrical communicationwith the sensor circuit 720 using any suitable form of electricalconnection. If the sensor circuit 720 detects that, for example, therate of water condensation on the surfaces of the panels 620 isdecreasing (e.g., the interval between rotations is increasing) or therate of water production is below a desired rate or threshold (e.g., therelative humidity of the atmosphere is decreasing), the sensor circuit720 can send an electrical signal or command to the control circuit 645to increase the rate of air flow from the atmosphere flow regulator 640.Alternatively, if the sensor circuit 720 detects that, for example, therate of water condensation on the surfaces of the panels 620 isincreasing (e.g., the interval between rotations is decreasing) or therate of water production is above a desired rate or threshold (e.g., therelative humidity of the atmosphere is increasing), the sensor circuit720 can send an electrical signal or command to the control circuit 645to decrease the rate of air flow from the atmosphere flow regulator 640to maintain a steady or substantially constant production of potablewater. According to an exemplary embodiment, the system 600 can includean atmosphere filtration device 650. The atmosphere filtration device650 is configured to filter the atmosphere passed into the enclosure 605via the intake port 610, such as, for example, any suitable form of airor fluid filter (e.g., an electrostatic air filter or the like).

The sensor circuit 720 can control the atmosphere flow regulator 640 tocontrol the rate of air flow into the enclosure 605 in any suitablemanner. For example, according to one exemplary embodiment, the rate ofair flow can be calculated by the sensor circuit 720 using a Mollierdiagram for humid air. A Mollier diagram for humid air represents thecorrelation between air temperature, water content and humidity. Mollierdiagrams are well-known in the art, and are described in, for example,U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,619,053, 6,390,183, 6,101,823, 5,524,455, 5,245,843,4,146,372 and 3,939,905. The Mollier diagram is based on severalfactors, including relative humidity, ambient air temperature,temperature at which condensation occurs and rate of air flow. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment, the sensor circuit 720 can include anysuitable type of computer memory to store, for example, relativehumidity and ambient air temperature values for the suitable Mollierdiagram. For example, the sensor circuit 720 can include or be incommunication with relative humidity and ambient air temperature sensorsto measure those values with respect to air entering and in theenclosure 605. The sensor circuit 720 can include any suitable type ofmicroprocessor to calculate the temperature at which condensation occursand the rate of air flow necessary to cause condensation, based on themeasured values of relative humidity and ambient air temperature. Forexample, the microprocessor can access a look-up table or the likestored in the computer memory to retrieve or otherwise calculate thecorresponding values of the temperature at which condensation occurs andrate of air flow necessary to cause condensation based on the Mollierdiagram, using the measured values of relative humidity and ambient airtemperature. Once calculated, the sensor circuit 720 can control theatmosphere flow regulator 640 to control the rate of air flow into theenclosure 605 to achieve the desired rate of air flow and condensation.Thus, the system 600 can be configured to achieve the maximum rate ofcondensation to generate the desired amount of potable water productionper hour.

The microprocessor that can be used or otherwise associated with sensorcircuit 720 can be any suitable type of processor, such as, for example,any type of general purpose microprocessor or microcontroller, a digitalsignal processing (DSP) processor, an application-specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically-erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM), a computer-readable medium, orthe like. The memory that can be used or otherwise associated withsensor circuit 720 can be any suitable type of computer memory or anyother type of electronic storage medium, such as, for example, read-onlymemory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), cache memory, compact discread-only memory (CDROM), electro-optical memory, magneto-opticalmemory, any suitable form of data storage card or the like. As will beappreciated based on the foregoing description, the memory can beprogrammed using conventional techniques known to those having ordinaryskill in the art of computer programming. For example, the actual sourcecode or object code of the computer program can be stored in the memory.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a cut-away side view of the system 600for producing potable water from atmosphere, in accordance with analternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system600 can include a cooling fluid supplier 905 (e.g., a condenser or thelike). The cooling fluid supplier 905 is configured to supply thecooling fluid through the plurality of conduits 715 to cool theplurality of panels 620. For example, the central axis 625 can comprisea supply conduit. The supply conduit can be of any suitable diameter,such as, for example, 2.5 inches, and of any suitable length, such as,for example, 1.27 meters. The cooling fluid supplier 905 is connected toeither end of the supply conduit using, for example, a supply line 910and, for example, rotating heads 915 or other suitable rotatable fluidconnection links or means.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the supply conduit includes holesor perforations 920 and 925 located inside the enclosure 605 withinfirst and second chambers 930 and 935, respectively. The cooling fluidenters the enclosure 605 through a first end of the supply conduit to bepassed through the plurality of conduits 620. Once in the first end ofthe supply conduit, the cooling fluid is dispersed inside the firstchamber 930 through the holes 920. For example, the supply conduit canbe solid along the length between the holes 920 and 925, so that fluiddoes not pass through the supply conduit past the holes 920, but,rather, into the first chamber 930. The first chamber 930 forms a sealedenclosure outside a first panel 975 of the plurality of panels 620, intowhich one end of each of the conduits 715 opens. The cooling fluidenters and passes through each of the conduits 715 to cool the panels620. The cooling fluid then exits the opposite end of each of theconduits 715 into the second chamber 935. The second chamber 935 forms asealed enclosure outside a last panel 980 of the plurality of panels620, into which the opposite end of each of the conduits 715 opens.Thus, the cooling fluid exits the enclosure 605 from the plurality ofconduits 715 through a second end of the supply conduit. The coolingfluid reenters the supply conduit through the holes 925, passes out ofthe supply conduit through a (second) rotating head 915 into the supplyline 910 for return to, and subsequent re-cooling by, the cooling fluidsupplier 905.

As discussed previously, each of the conduits 715 can be in fluidcommunication with the other conduits 715, thereby forming a single,continuous conduit 715. In such an embodiment, the cooling fluid canenter one end of the continuous conduit 715 that opens into the firstchamber 930, and exit the other end of the continuous conduit 715 thatopens into the second chamber 935. Other configurations for supplyingthe cooling fluid to cool the panels 620 can be used.

Referring to FIG. 6, the system 600 can include an enclosure support 655configured to support the enclosure 605. For example, the enclosuresupport 655 can be configured to anchor or otherwise support theenclosure 605 at opposing ends of the central axis 625 using anchors660. The anchors 660 are configured to allow the central axis 625 torotate when turned by rotation device 805 (e.g., as bearings or thelike). Other configurations of the system 600 can be used. For example,as illustrated in FIG. 9, the system 600 can include an air diffuser 960located within the enclosure near the intake port 610. The air diffuser960 can be configured to ensure that the air entering the enclosure 605through the intake port 610 is substantially equally diffused orotherwise disbursed over all of the plurality of panels 620.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating steps for producing potable waterfrom atmosphere, in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodimentof the present invention. In step 1005, a cooling fluid is supplied intoan enclosure to cool a plurality of panels. In step 1010, the pluralityof panels, arranged within the enclosure substantially parallel to eachother along a central axis, are cooled. Each of the plurality of panelsis comprised of a material on which water condensate from the atmosphereforms in response to a temperature differential between the material andthe atmosphere passed through the enclosure. In step 1015, atmosphere ispassed through the enclosure and over surfaces of the plurality ofpanels to form the water condensate on surfaces of the plurality ofpanels. In step 1020, the atmosphere passed into the enclosure and overthe plurality of panels is filtered. In step 1025, a humidity of theatmosphere is detected. In step 1030, an amount of atmosphere passedthrough the enclosure and over the plurality of panels is controlledbased upon the humidity of the atmosphere detected in step 1025. In step1035, an amount of the water condensate formed on the surfaces of theplurality of panels in response to cooling is detected. In step 1040, adetermination is made as to whether the amount of the water condensateformed on the surfaces of the plurality of panels exceeds apredetermined threshold. In step 1045, the plurality of panels arerotated about the central axis within the enclosure to remove the watercondensate from the surfaces of the plurality of panels when the amountof the water condensate formed on the surfaces of the plurality ofpanels exceeds the predetermined threshold. In step 1050, the watercondensate removed from the surfaces of the plurality of panels iscollected. In step 1055, the collected water condensate is sterilized toproduce the potable water.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be used for producingpotable water in any area of the world where potable water is needed.For purposes of illustration and not limitation, for the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 5, the system 500 can be comprised of two surfaces505, each surface being approximately four feet wide and six feet long.Each of the two surfaces 505 can be comprised of tempered glassapproximately one-quarter inch thick and sealed to the other surface toform an enclosure that is also one-quarter of an inch thick (for holdingthe cooling fluid), for a total thickness of three-quarters of an inchfor the sealed enclosure 510. Numerous such enclosures can be usedtogether. For example, twenty-nine such enclosures can be held in, forexample, a cage that is approximately seven feet by five feet. Byappropriately controlling the flow of atmosphere over the surfaces ofthe enclosures using the atmosphere flow regulator 560 (depending on theamount of humidity in the area the system is being used), exemplaryembodiments of the present invention are capable of producingapproximately 100 liters of potable water per hour.

Additionally, exemplary embodiments can be transported and assembled ina number of remote areas inhabited by humans where little or no naturalresources are available for producing potable water. Furthermore,exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be accessible toindividuals with limited technical expertise and be available in a rangeof sizes so that it can be used in areas that lack abundant space.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that thepresent invention can be embodied in various specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Thepresently disclosed embodiments are considered in all respects to beillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention isindicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description,and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalencethereof are intended to be embraced.

All United States patents and applications, foreign patents, andpublications discussed above are hereby incorporated herein by referencein their entireties.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of theforegoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible inthe practice of this invention without departing from the spirit orscope thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to beconstrued in accordance with the substance defined by the followingclaims.

1. A system for producing potable water from atmosphere, comprising: afirst surface; a second surface arranged substantially parallel to thefirst surface, wherein the first and second surfaces are comprised of amaterial on which water condensation from the atmosphere forms inresponse to a temperature differential between the material and theatmosphere, wherein a seal is formed around a periphery of the first andsecond surfaces to form an enclosure between the first and secondsurfaces, and wherein the enclosure is filled with a liquid; a coolingdevice positioned within the liquid within the enclosure; a sensorcircuit located proximate to the first and second surfaces, wherein thesensor circuit is configured to detect an amount of water condensateformed on the first and second surfaces in response to cooling of thefirst and second surfaces by the liquid cooled by the cooling device; awiper in contact with each of the first and second surfaces, wherein thewiper is configured to remove water condensate from the respective firstand second surfaces when the sensor circuit detects the amount of watercondensate formed on the respective first and second surfaces exceeds apredetermined value; and a collector for collecting the water condensateremoved from the first and second surfaces for use as potable water. 2.The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second surfaces compriseglass.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second surfacescomprise metal.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and secondsurfaces comprise plastic.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the liquidcomprises water.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the liquid comprisesalcohol.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first and secondsurfaces are substantially rectangular.
 8. The system of claim 1,wherein each of the first and second surfaces are substantiallycircular.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the first and secondsurfaces are substantially planar.
 10. The system of claim 1,comprising: a sterilizer for sterilizing the collected water condensateto produce the potable water.
 11. The system of claim 1, comprising: anatmosphere flow regulator for passing atmosphere over the first andsecond surfaces.
 12. The system of claim 11, comprising: a controlcircuit for controlling the atmosphere flow regulator to control apassage of atmosphere over the first and second surfaces, wherein avolume of atmosphere passed over the first and second surfaces isdependent upon a humidity of the atmosphere detected by the sensorcircuit.
 13. The system of claim 1, comprising: a cooling fluid supplierfor supplying a cooling fluid through the cooling device to cool theliquid within the enclosure.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein thecooling fluid supplier comprises a condenser.
 15. The system of claim 1,wherein the cooling device comprises a refrigeration coil.
 16. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the cooling device comprises a plurality ofpipes, and wherein a cooling fluid is passed through each of theplurality of pipes to cool the liquid within the enclosure.
 17. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the wiper comprises a squeegee.
 18. A systemfor producing potable water from atmosphere, comprising: a plurality ofsurfaces arranged to form a sealed enclosure, wherein the enclosure issubstantially filled with a liquid, and wherein each of the plurality ofsurfaces is comprised of a material on which water condensation from theatmosphere forms when there is a temperature differential between thematerial and the atmosphere; a cooling coil positioned within the liquidwithin the enclosure, wherein the cooling coil is configured to cool theliquid within the enclosure to cool the plurality of surfaces; at leastone humidity sensor located proximate to the plurality of surfaces,wherein of the at least one humidity sensor is configured to detect anamount of water condensate formed on the plurality of surfaces; aplurality of wipers, wherein each of the plurality of wipers isassociated with a surface of the plurality of surfaces, and wherein eachof the plurality of wipers is configured to remove water condensate fromeach of the plurality of surfaces when the at least one humidity sensordetects the amount of water condensate formed on the plurality ofsurfaces exceeds a predetermined value; and a collector for collectingthe water condensate removed from the plurality of surfaces for use aspotable water.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein each of the pluralityof surfaces comprises glass.
 20. The system of claim 18, wherein theliquid comprises water.
 21. The system of claim 18, comprising: asterilizer for sterilizing the collected water condensate to produce thepotable water.
 22. The system of claim 18, comprising: an atmosphereflow regulator for passing atmosphere over the plurality of surfaces.23. The system of claim 22, comprising: a control circuit forcontrolling the atmosphere flow regulator to control a passage ofatmosphere over the plurality of surfaces, wherein a volume ofatmosphere passed over the plurality of surfaces is dependent upon ahumidity of the atmosphere detected by the at least one humidity sensor.24. The system of claim 18, comprising: a cooling fluid supplier forsupplying a cooling fluid through the cooling device to cool the liquidwithin the enclosure.
 25. A system for producing potable water fromatmosphere, comprising: a conduit, wherein the conduit is comprised of amaterial on which water condensation from the atmosphere forms inresponse to a temperature differential between the material and theatmosphere, wherein a cooling fluid is passed through the conduit tocool the conduit; a sensor circuit located proximate to a surface of theconduit, wherein the sensor circuit is configured to detect an amount ofwater condensate formed on the surface of the conduit in response tocooling of the conduit by the cooling fluid; a wiper in circumferentialcontact with the surface of the conduit, wherein the wiper is configuredto remove water condensate from the surface of the conduit when thesensor circuit detects the amount of water condensate formed on thesurface of the conduit exceeds a predetermined value; and a collectorfor collecting the water condensate removed from the conduit for use aspotable water.
 26. A system for producing potable water from atmosphere,comprising: a first surface; a second surface arranged substantiallyparallel to the first surface, wherein the first and second surfaces arecomprised of a material on which water condensation from the atmosphereforms in response to a temperature differential between the material andthe atmosphere, wherein a seal is formed around a periphery of the firstand second surfaces to form an enclosure between the first and secondsurfaces, and wherein the enclosure is filled with a liquid; means forcooling positioned within the liquid within the enclosure; sensing meansfor detecting an amount of water condensate formed on the first andsecond surfaces in response to cooling of the first and second surfacesby the liquid cooled by the means for cooling, wherein the sensing meansis located proximate to the first and second surfaces; means forremoving water condensate from the respective first and second surfaceswhen the sensing means detects the amount of water condensate formed onthe respective first and second surfaces exceeds a predetermined value,wherein the means for removing is in contact with each of the first andsecond surfaces; and means for collecting the water condensate removedfrom the first and second surfaces for use as potable water.
 27. Asystem for producing potable water from atmosphere, comprising: aconduit means for conveying a cooling fluid for cooling the conduitmeans, wherein the conduit means is comprised of a material on whichwater condensation from the atmosphere forms in response to atemperature differential between the material and the atmosphere; asensor means for detecting an amount of water condensate formed on thesurface of the conduit means in response to cooling of the conduit meansby the cooling fluid, wherein the sensor means is located proximate to asurface of the conduit means; means for removing water condensate fromthe surface of the conduit means when the sensor means detects theamount of water condensate formed on the surface of the conduit meansexceeds a predetermined value, wherein the means for removing is incircumferential contact with the surface of the conduit means; and meansfor collecting the water condensate removed from the conduit means foruse as potable water.
 28. A system for producing potable water fromatmosphere, comprising: a conduit on which water condensate from theatmosphere forms, wherein a cooling fluid is passed through the pipe tocool the pipe, and wherein the water condensate forms on a surface ofthe pipe in response to cooling of the pipe by the cooling fluid; awiper in circumferential contact with the surface of the pipe, whereinthe wiper is configured to remove water condensate from the surface ofthe pipe at predetermined intervals; a collector for collecting thewater condensate removed from the surface of the conduit; and asterilizer for sterilizing the collected water condensate to producepotable water.
 29. A method of producing potable water from atmosphere,comprising the steps of: a.) enclosing a cooling device within a liquidwithin an enclosure, wherein surfaces of the enclosure are comprised ofa material on which water condensation from the atmosphere forms inresponse to a temperature differential between the material and theatmosphere; b.) cooling the liquid in the enclosure to cool the surfacesof the enclosure; c.) detecting an amount of water condensate formed onthe surfaces in response to cooling of the surfaces by the liquid cooledby the cooling device; d.) removing water condensate from the surfacesof the enclosure when the amount of water condensate formed on thesurfaces exceeds a predetermined value; and e.) collecting the watercondensate removed from the surfaces of the enclosure for use as potablewater.
 30. A system for producing potable water from atmosphere,comprising: a plurality of surfaces arranged to form a sealed enclosure,wherein each of the plurality of surfaces is comprised of a material onwhich water condensation from the atmosphere forms when there is atemperature differential between the material and the atmosphere; acooling fluid supplier in fluid communication with the sealed enclosurefor supplying a cooling fluid within the sealed enclosure; at least onehumidity sensor located proximate to the plurality of surfaces, whereinthe at least one humidity sensor is configured to detect an amount ofwater condensate formed on the plurality of surfaces; a plurality ofwipers, wherein each of the plurality of wipers is associated with asurface of the plurality of surfaces, and wherein each of the pluralityof wipers is configured to remove water condensate from each of theplurality of surfaces when the at least one humidity sensor detects theamount of water condensate formed on the plurality of surfaces exceeds apredetermined value; and a collector for collecting the water condensateremoved from the plurality of surfaces for use as potable water.